Dawn of the Century

One of the most enjoyable modern-build Dutch Street Organ has now been recorded on 2 CD’s.

Dawn of The Century is a 51 Key Jan Van Eijk traditional book operated organ that was completed and first played at the beginning of the year 2000 – hence its name. The very proud owners are John & Kevin Selwood, a father and son team from 24 Hammer Lane, Warborough, Wallingford, Oxon. OX10 7DJ.

The 2 CD’s that were recorded by Graham Spencer are most enjoyable and cost £10 each by post; cheques should be made payable to J & K Selwood.

Dawn of the Century is one of those organs that will find interested listeners wherever it goes whether it be a fete, wedding or steam show. The repertoire is very ‘Easy Listening’ with the sort of tunes you can tap you foot to or whistle along with the music. Both CD’s contain a few continental street organ tunes augmented by tunes from the pop music world, Music Halls , Broadway and the Musicals on the big screen.

Another feature that attracts the crowds to the organ is the splendid animated figures and paintwork. The bandmaster is dressed as a Cavalier in a costume researched by Mike Hart who created this work of art that has a moving head and hands and is painted to look very lifelike. Mike also made the two central figures of female dancers. Even when Dawn of the Century is not playing the organ front cannot fail to give pleasure.

There is often a little confusion over this instrument in the organ listings at steam shows; while it can play 52 key music it only has 51 keys operating as at present it does not have a glockenspiel which would use the extra key. The disposition of the organ comprises: Violin, Bourdon, Piccolo, Accompaniment, Cello Bass, Snare Drum, Cymbal, Woodblock and Bass Drum. ‘Dawn of the Century’ has an air of purpose in its music; the listener can almost think that the organ is a living creation as it has such an exuberance in its playing.

CD2 is equally varied with 26 tracks that include ‘One Fine Day’, ‘Girls in Grey’ ( the old BBC Newsreel March), ‘Bobby’s Girl’. ‘Mary Poppins’, ‘Music Hall Medley’, and ‘The Rose’.